The emerging fast-casual chain formerly known as Rise Biscuits Donuts is now Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken, the company announced this week.
The name change, and move away from doughnuts, comes as the 15-unit brand plans to grow through franchising and is looking to expand its menu to focus on more savory items.
“We’ve learned a lot as we have grown, including how different markets react to our food, what it takes to run a profitable Rise location and where our future lies,” CEO Tom Ferguson said in a statement. “We’re committed to being the best at what we do and focusing on what we do best. That’s biscuits. They are and always have been the soul of Rise.”
Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken began rebranding last fall with interior renovations at several units along with menu updates highlighting savory and sweet biscuit recipes.
“While donuts will play a reduced role, the sweet stuff menu includes a glazed blueberry biscuit, a flaky strawberry biscuit and cinnamon pecan biscuit rolls,” the company said.
The chain’s “righteous chicken” is tenderized, brined in buttermilk and fried before being served on a biscuit or as strips with dipping sauces.
The Durham, N.C.-based concept was founded in 2012 and is open for breakfast and lunch.
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